BMW Z3 3.0i LHD auto coupe 2002

LHD, clean as a pin, very low km.

You would be forgiven for jumping to conclusions; that unmistakeable ‘clown shoe’ silhouette, wide haunches, long nose and splendid BMW straight 6 under the bonnet. But, this is the NOT a BMW Z3M Coupe, it is a fine example of the (much) lesser-spotted 3.0i version.

Available only in LHD, and seldom seen in the UK, figures suggest just 3,853 were manufactured worldwide. In comparison, whilst the Z3M Coupe is considered a rare find in this day and age, well over 6,000 of those were made.

The original German Fahrzeugbrief (registration document) for this low mileage example indicates its beginnings as a ‘factory car’, registered to BMW AG, Berlin in December 2001. A little over 12 months later, in January 2003, and with approximately 19,500 km recorded, it was purchased by a Brit residing in Germany.

When the owner returned to life in the UK in 2007, he brought the Z3 with him. Following an inspection and a change to UK specification headlights by Westerly BMW in North Devon, plus an MOT (at 29,130 km), the car was UK registered in June 2007. It also had an instrument cluster change to an mph speedo; the original (and Euro headlamps) are still with the car.

Ownership has remained within the same family. The original service books (one in German and one English) have several stamps (8 in total), with the most recent carried out in May 2023 at 41,313 km. This service included new spark plugs, a new battery, front brake discs and pads and 4 new Michelin tyres.

The accompanying history folder includes invoices and receipts from both Germany and the UK, TUV Main Inspections and MOT certificates, EC Certificate of Conformity, British National Type Approval Certificate and, as previously mentioned, the original Fahrzeugbrief. 2 keys, valet key and full tool kit, warning triangle, first aid kit and fire extinguisher.

Optioned in Topaz blue metallic with 17 inch 15-spoke BMW alloys.

The interior follows suit with extended Topaz blue Nappa leather with black accents.

Further factory options include:

• 5 speed ‘Steptronic’ automatic transmission.
• 25% locking diff.
• Dynamic Stability Control.
• Glass sunroof.
• Multi function M Sport steering wheel.
• Heated Sports seats.
• BMW ‘Business’ radio with Harman Kardon Sound System and 6 disc CD changer.
• Air conditioning.

The M54/B30 3.0 litre, 6 cylinder produces 231 bhp and drives the rear wheels. The 0-62 mph time is listed as 6.2 seconds and the top speed, 150 mph.

This is a car which is fun to drive, and will turn heads wherever it goes. Its rarity, low mileage and great provenance surely make it a very desirable addition to any garage.

Should you wish to return it to Europe, or anywhere else in the world, Williams Crawford can help with export and delivery queries – don’t be afraid to ask.

Selling on behalf of its current owner, available to view at the Williams Crawford showroom.